Manchester Man Arrested in Hazard on Child Solicitation and Trafficking Charges

Perry County law enforcement took a Manchester resident into custody Jan. 5 at the Grand View Plaza shopping center in Hazard after investigators say he had arranged to meet a 17-year-old juvenile. The Perry County Sheriff's Office arrested 63-year-old Greg Sizemore and charged him with custodial interference, procuring a minor for sexual activity by electronic means, and human trafficking. Authorities say the meeting was believed to be for sexual activities in exchange for money.

The arrest places a spotlight on digital solicitation and the ways electronic communication can facilitate exploitation of minors, particularly in rural communities. For Perry County families, the incident underscores the potential risks that young people face online and the need for open conversations about safety, privacy, and reporting suspicious contacts.

Human trafficking and solicitation cases carry layered public health consequences. Survivors often need urgent medical care, sexually transmitted infection screening, mental health treatment, and long-term social support. In rural areas such as Perry County, access to trauma-informed medical and behavioral health services can be limited by distance, provider shortages, and transportation barriers, complicating recovery for affected youth and families.

The criminal charges bring law enforcement action, but they also point to broader policy and equity questions. Preventing exploitation requires coordinated responses that pair criminal investigations with prevention education in schools, greater access to youth mental health and social services, and resources for families who may be economically vulnerable. Community leaders and health providers must consider how to expand outreach and confidential care for adolescents who may be targeted online or coerced into commercial sexual activity.

Residents should remain vigilant and report suspected exploitation to local law enforcement. Parents and caregivers can reduce risks by monitoring minors’ online activity, discussing the signs of coercion and trafficking, and ensuring young people know how to seek help. Schools, healthcare providers, and nonprofit organizations can play a central role in connecting youth to counseling, medical care, and protective services.

The investigation into the circumstances that led to Sizemore’s arrest remains active. As the case proceeds through the legal system, the incident will likely prompt renewed discussion in Perry County about prevention, support for victims, and how rural communities can better marshal resources to protect young people from online and commercial sexual exploitation.